reasonably honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably honest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is fairly truthful or sincere, but not necessarily completely so. Example: "While he may not be perfect, I find him to be reasonably honest in his dealings with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The British remain reasonably honest.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we want our pitches reasonably honest.

The New York Times

11 atmosphere -- were willing to give it at least a reasonably honest chance.

The New York Times

"Now I think that a reasonably honest interpretation of the Qu'ran does not end up with jihadism.

The Guardian - Books

I say fortunately because these are the people who run benchmark comparisons and keep the manufacturers reasonably honest.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr Darling believed that being reasonably honest with the country was the way to win its respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Vance never dwelled on his own legacy, but when asked at 70 how he wanted to be remembered, he said, "I hope for being a reasonably decent, honest person who tried to do some things for the country that might have lasting effect and create a better life for a large number of people".

The New York Times

Security, is basicallly, a state of reasonably good health, & no country can stay healthy indefinitely if it manages to make its honest servants who have been convicted of wrong-doing appear in the role of scalawag.

The New Yorker

Reasonably true.

Huffington Post

They're reasonably good.

Vice

What if you are quiet, honest and reasonably solvent but keep to yourself?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "fairly honest" or "mostly honest" when you want to emphasize a specific aspect of someone's honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably honest" when you intend to convey absolute or complete honesty. In such cases, opt for stronger terms like "completely honest" or "unquestionably honest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably honest" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun by ascribing a qualified degree of honesty. It suggests a level of truthfulness that is considerable but not necessarily absolute, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonably honest" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a qualified level of honesty. Ludwig AI validates that it's found frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a significant but not absolute degree of truthfulness or integrity. It is a useful phrase when you want to avoid overstating someone's honesty while still acknowledging a considerable level of integrity. Remember to use alternatives, like "fairly honest", when greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly honest

Replaces "reasonably" with "fairly", suggesting a slightly higher degree of honesty.

somewhat truthful

Emphasizes the aspect of truthfulness, indicating a degree of honesty that might not be complete.

mostly honest

Highlights that the subject is honest in most cases, but not necessarily all.

largely sincere

Focuses on sincerity, suggesting genuine intentions behind the actions or words.

generally upright

Indicates a consistent adherence to moral principles and ethical behavior.

relatively trustworthy

Highlights the aspect of trust, suggesting that the subject is worthy of trust to a certain extent.

moderately ethical

Emphasizes ethical behavior, indicating a level of adherence to moral standards that is neither exceptionally high nor low.

quite principled

Focuses on the adherence to principles, suggesting a commitment to moral values.

decently forthright

Emphasizes candor and directness, suggesting a good level of honesty in communication.

passably veracious

Indicates that the subject's statements are acceptably truthful, though perhaps not entirely so.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonably honest" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonably honest" to describe someone or something that exhibits a fair degree of honesty, like: "The politician gave a "reasonably honest" assessment of the situation."

What are some alternatives to saying "reasonably honest"?

Alternatives include "fairly honest", "somewhat truthful", or "largely sincere" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonably honest" in formal writing?

Yes, "reasonably honest" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to express that someone or something is honest to a considerable extent, without necessarily implying absolute honesty. Ludwig AI provides many reliable sources showcasing its formal use.

What's the difference between "reasonably honest" and "completely honest"?

"Reasonably honest" implies a degree of honesty that is not absolute or perfect, while "completely honest" suggests total and unwavering truthfulness. The choice depends on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.